Trio charged in ‘Syria’ fraud probe

Three men have been charged following an investigation into fraud linked to UK extremists travelling to Syria.

Warsame Sheik, 29, of White City Estate, west London, Anrul Islam, 23, of Hedgemans Road, Dagenham, east London, and Mohammed Youssfi, 37, of Fulham Road, south west London, have been charged with various money laundering and fraud offences, Scotland Yard said.

All three were charged with being concerned in the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property and with acquiring, use or possession of criminal property in relation to alleged offences between May 28 2014 and June 6 2014.

Islam and Youssfi were further charged with fraud in relation to alleged offences between October 2011 and May 2014 and were remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

Sheik has been bailed to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on April 29.

Police said a fourth man, who was previously arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences, has been bailed to return to a central London police station in early May pending further enquiries.